Reed, John P. (John Pershing), 1948-

John Reed, a resident of Afton, Union County, Iowa enlisted in the Union army on July 28, 1862. Reed was twenty-six years old when he was mustered into Company B of the 18th Iowa Infantry. The 18th Iowa was organized at Clinton and saw service in Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian Territory. The regiment made up part of the Frontier Division stationed at Fort Smith. It took an active part in Frederick Steele's Camden Expedition and suffered its heaviest casualties of the war at the battle of Poison Spring. Following the failure of the campaign, the regiment returned to Fort Smith where it engaged in garrison duty until the end of the war. Reed's letters describe military life in Fort Smith, the effect of the war on civilians, and the plight of African Americans (both free and enslaved). In addition, one of the letters provides a detailed account of the Camden Expedition.

From the description of John Reed Civil War letters, 1864-1865. (Central Arkansas Library System). WorldCat record id: 77496366